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'Joseph' to open tonight

BLACKFOOT — The Blackfoot Community Players' production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" opens tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Nuart Theatre.
The production will run Feb. 25, 26 and 28 and March 1, 4, 5 and 7. Tickets for opening night are $5, with tickets all other nights $7.
The popular musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice—who also collaborated on "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Evita"—has a family-friendly storyline, universal themes and catchy music.
The story follows the dreamer Joseph, played by Bret Coles, who is one of 12 sons of Jacob. The story is based on the Biblical story found in the Book of Genesis.
Joseph is Jacob's favorite son, and his brothers are jealous and plan to murder him. But they sell Joseph to Ishmaelites, who take him to Egypt as a slave. Years later Joseph has risen to power when his brothers unknowingly seek Joseph's help when a famine strikes. Joseph then tests his brothers to see if they have changed.
There are approximately 40 people cast in the local production of Joseph. In addition to Coles, there are three narrators—Jana McBride, Haley Krehbiel and Daniela Wheelwright. Joseph's father Jacob is played by Randy Neiworth. The rich Egyptian Potiphar is played by Troy Mikesell with Heather McPhie cast as Mrs. Potiphar and Jesse James as the Pharaoh.
Director Marilyn Cottam said nearly half the cast are teenagers who have demonstrated dedication and positive attitudes.
"We have a group that tends to build each other up," Cottam said. "They are doing an amazing job.
"I could not be more proud," she said. "They are just doing a beautiful job."
The message of "Joseph" is positive, and Cottam said those who see the show should leave with a positive outlook.
Russell Cottam is the assistant director in charge of music; Assistant Directors of Choreography include Heather McPhie and Launi Schneberger and Yuki Matsuura created much of the artwork for the set with the help of Haley Krehbiel. Julie Coles is responsible for costumes and makeup.
Costumes and props have been supplied by the Center Stage Playhouse and the Idaho Youth Arts Council.